China's U20 football team faced a crushing defeat against Saudi Arabia in the AFC U20 Asian Cup quarterfinals Saturday, with a 95th-minute goal shattering their FIFA World Cup dreams. 💔 The match in Shenzhen saw passionate play but ended 1-0 after substitute Amar Alyuhabi sealed Saudi Arabia's victory with a clinical finish.
Match Highlights 👟🔥
Despite dominating possession, China couldn't capitalize on key chances—including a missed penalty by Liu Chengyu in the 59th minute. Wang Yudong came agonizingly close to scoring early, but his shot sailed wide. Saudi Arabia's strategic substitutions in the final stretch paid off dramatically when Alyuhabi and Talal Haji teamed up for the decider.
World Cup Dreams Deferred 🌏🏆
With this loss, China misses out on qualification for September's FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Australia (who beat Iraq 3-2) secured their spots. Fans praised China's effort but lamented their finishing: \"So close, yet so far for these young lions,\" tweeted one supporter.
The tournament continues to spotlight Asia's rising football talent—proving every second counts in youth sports! ⏱️💫
